Vietnam veterans to get special 'Welcome home' in Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- A few North Alabama Vietnam combat veterans were talking recently and decided it's finally a good time for these neglected former troops to be honored - embraced, even - by their fellow citizens.

They're about to. Thanks to the group's efforts, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley and Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie have signed a joint proclamation declaring March 29 "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." Gov. Robert Bentley is expected to sign a similar proclamation later this month.

Everyone is urged to attend a ceremony at 2 p.m. March 29 at the Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Memorial between Jefferson and Washington streets in Huntsville. A wreath will be placed, "Taps" will sound, elected officials will speak and retired Marine Lt. Gen. Frank Libutti - himself a Vietnam veteran - will make special remarks.

"We welcome the public to come out and join us in giving the brave and often forgotten service men and women the welcome home they never got," said retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Billy Prysock.

March 29 was chosen because it was on that date in 1973 that the U.S. ended its operations and the last 2,500 combat troops left Vietnam, Harmon said. Many states have chosen March 29 as the date to honor the veterans, however others have chosen March 30, perhaps because of confusion related to the International Date Line. A U.S. Senate resolution approved earlier this year supporting a national "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" also recognizes March 30 as the date.

Regardless of the day chosen, the recognition is overdue. In the 1960s and '70s, most military members returning from the unpopular war were, at best, ignored; many were vilified.

Today, troops come home from tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan to parades, Harmon said. They often are hailed for their service and sacrifice by a thankful public.

"They have a different attitude than people had back then," Harmon said, making the time seem right for a local "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day."

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, also a Vietnam veteran, and the city council is marking the date in a different way.

It is asking Vietnam veterans from Athens, Limestone County and surrounding areas to attend the March 26 council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Municipal Court in the Athens Police Department at 951 E. Hobbs St.

During the meeting, the council plans to honor the Vietnam veterans with a proclamation.

"Many were not thanked for their service but were instead treated with hostility and criticism," Marks said. "We want to take time out to show the city's appreciation for their service."

For more information about the Madison County event or membership in the Vietnam Veterans of America Huntsville Chapter, visit vietvethsv.org or call membership chair Richard Knight at 256-722-3027.

Updated March 16, 2012, to correct reference to International Date Line.